Genomic science uncovers genes that enable plants to grow more with less fertilizer

DNA analysis reveals "kingpin" genes, master regulators in networks of genes that take up the nitrogen in fertilizer

Researchers at New York University are tackling one of the major challenges in agriculture: How to raise healthy plants while minimizing the use of fertilizer and the leaching of fertilizer chemicals into the environment, which sometimes results.

With support from the National Science Foundation (NSF), a team led by plant genomic scientist Gloria Coruzzi and computer scientist Dennis Shasha is using the latest genomic tools to develop new plant varieties that don't need as much nitrogen to grow.The researchers are also investigating which of the plant's genes control fertilizer uptake and which combinations of nitrogen, phosphate and potassium--the main nutrient chemicals in traditional commercial fertilizers--produce the heartiest plants.

The research in this episode is supported by NSF award #1158273, A Systems Approach to the Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium (NPK) Nutriome and its Effect on Biomass.

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Imagine a world where scientists can predict with confidence whether crops will grow in extreme temperatures just by understanding their genetic makeup. The NSF-produced audio documentary, "The Rules of Life," shows how NSF and the research community are working toward building that world, by solving the riddle of predicting phenotype. Find out more in this discovery.

Millions of microbes living on and in the human body collectively make up our microbiomes. These microbial ecosystems help keep us healthy. The same processes are at work in other animals, as well as in plants. To better understand the role microbiomes play in human health and in ecosystems around the world, NSF's Directorate for Biological Sciences has awarded $3 million in Early Concept Grants for Exploratory Research. In addition to microbiomes, the research will focus on plant and animal phenomics. Find out more in this news release.

Credit: NIH

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The Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences (MCB) in NSF's Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO) supports fundamental research at the intersection of disciplines to uncover the emergent properties of complex living systems across the molecular, subcellular and cellular scale.

New research led by University of Pennsylvania biologists and published in the journal Nature Genetics has identified small sequences in plant DNA that act as signposts for shutting off gene activity, directing the placement of proteins that silence gene expression.

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